Jio’s back-breaking new data plans are giving rivals sleepless nights

The tariff war in India’s telecommunication sector is ready for another round, since Reliance Jio has boosted data offerings on its entry pre-paid plan by over six times. Competitors like market leader Airtel have already accused Jio of engaging in back-breaking pricing.

The new tariff plan by Jio comes with a free data usage limit of 2GB in its Rs 149 plan, as against the present 300 MB. Similarly, in the Rs 499 plan, the benefit has been increased from 4GB to 56 GB. However, one change that has come in these plans is that they would be available only to Jio prime customers, who would be paying Rs 99 annually.

The new plans have been filed with TRAI and will be implemented from April 1.

Also read: Here’s how Reliance Jio keeps its loyal employees happy

In comparison, Airtel's Rs 145 pre-paid plan offers data benefits of 300MB and free calls to their own subscriber base. In this aspect too, Jio is winning hearts as it offers free calls to all networks, even in roaming.

To make things work, Airtel had decided to remove roaming charges from April 1, but the new developments in the Jio plans seem to have caused a ripple, yet again.

Also read: Jio’s free call and data plans have cost the government Rs 685 crore

Ever since Jio has been launched, other telecom companies have been adversely affected, with Airtel reporting an over 50% decline in its third quarter profit. Vodafone and Idea Cellular are even thinking of a merger so that they can stay afloat.

(Image source: BeingIndian)